Why do we need good gut bugs?

DON'T BE PUT OFF BY THE PICTURES. THESE LITTLE CRITTERS ARE SOME OF THE 'GOOD' GUYS !THIS ARTICLE WILL TELL YOU WHY AND HOWTHE HEALING POWER OF PROBIOTICS CAN HELP A WHOLE RANGE OF HEALTH CONDITIONS

If I told you that something you can't even see with the naked eye - something that lives naturally in the murky depths of your digestive system – could be a major factor in determining the difference between health and disease, and that paying it a bit more attention could – significantly - alter the odds against getting sick, I’d like to bet that you’d be interested. Forget expensive drugs and extreme diets. This has to do with the work of some of the world's leading scientists into the extraordinary goings-on in our intestines. To be specific, they're studying (look away now if you’re squeamish) . . .

. . . bacteria!

If it makes you feel any better, be comforted by the fact that the particular bacteria in question are of the especially helpful and nice variety.

When someone mentions bacteria as I just did to you, most people will think of germs or infectious illness. But talk beneficial bacteria and I imagine nearly everyone will either picture a pot of yoghurt or at least make some kind of connection to the digestive system. The idea that fermented foods (those that are made as a result of bacterial changes) might be healthy for humans is nothing new. The use of fermentation as a way of preparing and preserving food is steeped in ancient traditions and, long before anyone knew anything about good gut bugs, so-called primitive peoples had already worked out for themselves that cultured dairy foods such as soured milks and yoghurts were somehow beneficial. Thanks to modern research, we now know that the reason why fermented foods are good for us is because they contain beneficial strains of ‘live culture’. These days, we have come to know these live cultures by another name – PROBIOTICS.

Now bang up-to-date, the word ‘probiotic’ is part of everyday advertising and an ingredient in a whole range of yoghurts, yoghurt-type drinks, (sometimes known as probiotic shots), milkshakes, smoothies, cereals, desserts, snacks, baby formula and, of course, supplements. Aside from foods, powders and pills, scientists are developing specific probiotics to prevent cavities, probiotic lozenges for sore throats, probiotic nasal sprays, probiotics to guard against ear infections, and deodorant sticks that deal with the bacteria which cause body odour. They’re talking about probiotic vaccines which might be able to treat inflammatory diseases and even probiotic cleaning products for the home.

But apart from the microbiologists involved in the research and perhaps a few nutrition-oriented practitioners, it’s hard for most people to know whether a particular product or food is going to be helpful or not. What’s hype and what’s authentic? Is that probiotic pill a good one? Is that probiotic yoghurt really ‘live’? Do those probiotic supplements genuinely contain enough active ingredients? Is it all just down to clever advertising? What does that label mean? You might even end up asking ‘Do I really need them?’

Yes, in all probability you do.

First of all, there’s no longer any doubt that maintaining the right level of beneficial bacteria in our intestines is incredibly important to the health of every human. That’s because these mysterious microflora protect us from a whole host of nasty diseases.

FOR EXAMPLE: A new report from Georgia State University in the United States warns that emulsifiers, those gloppy food additives that manufacturers use to prolong shelf life and 'improve' texture to foods such as ready meals, ice creams, baked goods and spreading fats, upset the delicate balance of gut flora (what we also called microbiota or sometimes friendly bacteria). This leads to inflammation which in turn can encourage tumours to grow.How to avoid them? READ THE LABELS AND DON'T BUY FOOD THAT CONTAINS EMULSIFIERS.

​Just a quick but important note right here before we go any further down the page . . . If you think you may be exposed to the norovirus or to any hospital acquired infections (superbugs), or have recently been on antibiotics, then talk to your medical adviser about taking probiotics.

Moving right along, I wonder how many of us realise just how much of our health is controlled by good gut bugs and just how much can go wrong as a result of the lack of them? For example, it’s already been shown that probiotics can reduce the duration of colds and respiratory infections, protect against tooth decay (yes really), reduce the risk of urinary infections, clear up vaginal discharge, very importantly lessen the side effects caused by antibiotics, fight against hospital superbugs, cut the chances of going down with infective or travellers’ diarrhoea, settle disturbed digestion, and ease bloating and constipation.

I don’t believe that it’s an over-exaggeration to suggest that, in terms of health benefits and therapeutic activity, probiotics (especially when they are used in conjunction with important food substances known as prebiotics) could be to the 21st century what the good side of antibiotics were to the 20th.

Now, researchers are getting very excited about the possibility that probiotics (and their prebiotic team-mates) might have anti-carcinogenic, anti-mutagenic, and anti-allergic actions and could hold an important key to serious conditions such as bowel cancer, asthma, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, type 1 diabetes, fibromyalgia, obesity and chronic fatigue syndrome. They know, too, that probiotics can help to keep healthy people healthy, protecting us against illness! In other words, taking them when you healthy and well could help to keep you that way. Enough good reasons to take a regular probiotic supplement, I think. ​

Why supplements? Didn't I just say that there are friendly bacteria in whole range of foods? Well yes I did. The levels of bacteria in things like good quality bio-yoghurts and probiotic drinks are certainly useful and I would be the first to recommend them as part of a healthy diet. But there are a number of circumstances where probiotics in the kind of therapeutic doses found in supplements are called for; in particular in the conditions discussed in Good Gut Bugs which include irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhoea, constipation, allergies, vaginal and bladder infections, colds and flu, ulcers, body odour, gum disease and and as a support during and after antibiotic treatment.

Amazon reviewer on Kathryn's book Good Gut Bugs:"This book is a must-have for anyone with digestion problems or bowel conditions.Written in Kathryn's own inimitable, entertaining and quirky style, it is full of facts,anecdotes, information and useful advice on sorting out your gut problems. My partner is already well on the way to recovery after I relayed Kathryn's advice to him (you know men hate reading anything intelligent!)"

“I am very impressed, it’s very easy to read; most enjoyable, lighthearted and fun!”

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR ALL VISITORS TO THIS WEBSITE:This website is entirely not-for-profit and is set up and supported by Kathryn Marsden purely as a resource to provide information on matters related to health and diet. The material Kathryn has included on this website and also in her books, articles and lectures, is for information only and will have been accumulated and referenced from one or more different sources which may include published journals, meetings and discussions with a number of different practitioners, medical and surgical consultants and international experts, and from her own personal research and experience in practice over many years. From the feedback she has received, it would appear to have helped many people. However, it is important that the reader understands that these guidelines are not intended to be prescriptive, nor are they an attempt to diagnose or treat any specific condition.

If you're concerned in any way about your health, Kathryn ALWAYS strongly recommends that you visit your own doctor or consultant without delay. If you are suffering from any health problem, she stresses the importance of obtaining as many details about your condition as possible and asking plenty of questions about any medicines that may be prescribed to you. Always read the pack leaflet which is included with any prescription medicine and don’t stop taking any medication without first talking to your primary health care provider. The article ‘An Important Note About Prescription Medicines’ may be helpful to you. Kathryn also suggests that you keep your health care provider informed of any specific diets or supplement programmes you may decide upon. In the meantime, follow a varied and sensible healthy eating plan which contains plenty of fresh, unprocessed whole foods, pulses, daily fresh fruit and vegetables, and water. Take regular exercise and try to avoid cigarette smoke.

A final note re illustrations on this website: The majority of photographs and graphics are the property of my husband who has donated them from his own collection especially for the site. However, I have used a few pictures that I already had on file and that were provided to me from other sources as being copyright-free. If anyone believes a photograph that has been included on this basis actually is copyrighted and/or requires permission, then I apologise unreservedly to the owner of that copyright and would ask that they blog me to let me know so that I can either obtain the necessary permission or remove the picture altogether. Thank you.